ONR in windshield washer fluid? (rain-x effect?)

J

jbgrant

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Random idea of the night:

Ever put Optimum No Rinse in your windshield washer fluid?

I've wanted to come up with something better than the methanol stuff (necessary in winter, any alternatives for freeze protection?) when running around in the warmer seasons. I'm thinking about combining some ONR with distilled water and giving it a try in my commuter vehicle. The ONR or perhaps a waterless wash concentrate (Ultima?) would add lubricity to the wipers and hopefully help prevent the hazing of my fairly new glass. Now that I have Opti-coat on my windows I would think it would help keep the wipers from eating through the protection as well.

Anybody mix their own special solution?
 
That is a very interesting idea. I think the only way to figure out if it works would be to try it! I usually just put some DI/RO water in mine and it leaves the windows really clean. However in your case the ONR might add some lube to the windows so the wipers wont wipe of the Opti-Coat with friction. It's amazing what a little ONR can do :xyxthumbs:
 
I haven't tried it but I think it would not work out too well. I've noticed that if you do an ORN wash at a the diluted ratio of 1oz per 2 gal that it will leave a residue if you let it air dry. That is a really diluted ratio and yet it still leaves behind residue. So I would assume that it would also leave a residue on your paint from the windshield wash.

I put the RainX washer additive with distilled water in the reservoir, it doesn't leave a residue but seems to have a little bit of cleaning/lubricating properties.
 
jbgrant said:
I've wanted to come up with something better than the methanol stuff (necessary in winter, any alternatives for freeze protection?) when running around in the warmer seasons.

Anybody mix their own special solution?
Click to expand...

Due to evironmental and health issues, a lot of the "winter mix" is now ethanol based (I remember you affinity towards ethanol and the conjurred up memories :)). That is: a mix of water, ethanol or IPA, and ethanol glycol. It can be used year 'round. I don't "change-out" the mix on a seasonal basis.

I've heard of folks that made their summer mix out of: water, window cleaner (ammonia) and IPA. They would add a little methanol or ethanol for their winter mix. We used to use old blue-print ammonia to clean the windows at the school's shop many, many years ago.

Bob
 
Been using 303 Instant Windshield Washer Tablets as well as Unger's Easy Glide Glass Cleaner in my washer fluid with good results.
 
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